Most nights after dinner we linger for a few minutes around the table for Bible reading and prayer. When my kids have something they want to pray about, they usually wait until the end, and then jump in shouting, “Not amen yet!” They mean, Not the end, I have something more to add. Whenever they do it, it makes me smile. I love that they want to get in on sharing their hearts with God.
A lot of us use the word ‘amen’ kind of like ‘the end’, a signal that the prayer is over and it’s time to eat or be dismissed or go on to whatever’s next. But that’s not exactly how the word is used in the Bible. At its root, ‘amen’ conveys the idea of certainty, firmness, assurance. Something that is marked by confidence, truth. Whatever it’s connected with is in its very nature trustworthy and reliable. It’s something you can believe.
Jesus often used the word ‘amen’ before making a statement that sounded impossibly outrageous to His audience. Sometimes this is translated as ‘truly,’ ‘very truly,’ or even ‘I assure you.’ Amen I say to you. What I’m about to tell you is reliable, credible. It’s the truth. You can be certain. It’s a firm foundation on which to build your life; it’s a strong and trustworthy anchor.
The apostles also used the word amen. Sometimes they let out an “Amen!” right in the middle of a paragraph. It doesn’t mean ‘the end’ because they keep going. It’s more like shouting out, “Yes! That’s the truth!” Other times they use it as a kind of seal over what they’ve just said. “This is how it should be. Please let it be so!”
So what? Why does it matter? Well because there will be situations in your life where it seems like ‘the end’ and it’s not a happy ending. It feels someone said “this is the truth,” and it’s never going to be any different. It’s all over. There’s no hope.
Friend, can I say “not amen yet?” That is not the end of the story. It’s not the end of YOUR story. The enemy says ‘the end’ when things are darkest. But God says, “Not yet.” It’s not ‘amen’ yet. It’s not the truth and it isn’t the end. God has not placed a seal over that situation because it’s not His desire, intention or will for you. It isn’t what He wants for you. It’s not the way things are supposed to be. It isn’t the truth. And if it isn’t the truth, then it isn’t from Him.
What does God say about your story? “For I alone know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God says there’s always hope. So if things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be, He has more work to do. He has more planned for you. There’s more in store for you. It’s not amen until God’s future plans to restore everything, including you, are accomplished. He will do it. He is faithful.
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Philippians 1:6
“I am sure.” Amen I say to you. God will continue His work until it’s finished. What He’s said He will do, He will do. What He’s said will happen, will happen. It’s sealed. End of story. Drop the mic.
What response can we give but amen? Yes! This is the way it should be. Oh please, let it be like this. Amen!
All of God’s promises have been fulfilled in [Christ]. That is why we say “Amen” when we give glory to God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20